Bill would bar talk of sexual orientation in Missouri classrooms

Measure is similar to one in Tennessee that critics called the "Don't Say Gay" bill

Apr. 24, 2012

Denison / Submitted

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JEFFERSON CITY — A bill that prohibits teachers from discussing sexual orientation as part of public school curriculum is drawing attention from gay rights and education groups around Missouri.

The measure, House Bill 2051, is sponsored by Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Fairdealing, and has the backing of House Republican leaders and more than a dozen other Republican lawmakers. That list includes Reps. Charlie Denison and Eric Burlison of Springfield.

The one-sentence bill bars any instructional material, teaching or extracurricular activities that discuss sexual orientation, unless it is in relation to scientific instruction on human reproduction.

The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a similar bill this year, which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Cookson’s bill was referred to the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee last week.

Majority Floor Leader Tim Jones, a Republican from Eureka and a bill cosponsor, said he understands Cookson’s reasons for introducing the proposal.

“It’s obviously important to Rep. Cookson,” Jones said. “It simply stands for the proposition that certain things are appropriate to be taught in schools and certain things are appropriate to be taught at home.”

Jones indicated Monday that House leaders are focusing on their top legislative priorities, such as changes to education and the state’s workers compensation system.

That means Cookson’s bill may not make it to the House floor before the May 18 adjournment date.

The gay rights group PROMO and the liberal group Progress Missouri launched a website titled OktoSayGay.com. The site encourages students, teachers and others to post online videos describing their opposition to the bill.

The Missouri National Education Association also said the bill would “undermine” efforts to curb bullying by making teachers afraid to break the law.

“We have to untie their hands when they feel they should act or intervene in a situation that arises,” MNEA President Chris Guinther said. “Educators shouldn’t have to fear for their jobs when they want to act to help students.”